Romania advances construction of highest viaduct on A1 Sibiu‑Pitești

Construction has begun on the metal deck of the Valea Pleșei viaduct, the highest structure on the A1 Sibiu‑Pitești highway in Romania. The 4,000‑tonne Corten‑steel deck is being positioned at about 50 metres height using hydraulic jacks and guide systems, a method chosen because conventional high‑tonnage cranes cannot operate at that elevation.

The work is carried out by the Turkish contractor consortium Mapa‑Cengiz on section Boița‑Cornetu, a 31.33‑km stretch that includes seven tunnels, 24 bridges and 24 viaducts. CNAIR director general Cristian Pistol announced the start of the operation, noting that 627 workers and 156 pieces of equipment are currently deployed on the site. The contract for this section is valued at 4.25 billion Romanian lei, though only about 45 % of the planned works can proceed at present pending revised environmental and construction permits.